Authorities are setting up a Fibroscan center at GMC Baramulla

Excelsior Writer
Srinagar, Apr 22: In a bid to facilitate patient care for the people of north Kashmir and improve diagnosis of liver diseases, officials have set up a Fibroscan test center at Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla.
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor of GMC Baramulla, told Excelsior that the recently closed machine will be effective in early detection of liver diseases.
“It’s the latest Fibroscan we have installed here; helps in non-invasive detection of liver diseases; it is similar to an ultrasound examination and takes only a few minutes, playing an important role in the early diagnosis of such diseases,” he said.
He added that although the test is expensive, the authorities have ensured that it is available at GMC Baramulla for the betterment of patients. “Earlier, patients had to travel to Srinagar for examination; now, that problem has been removed from them.”
The doctors emphasized that due to the increase in liver diseases, having Fibroscan available in the hospital is important.
“30-40 percent of patients come to the OPD with fatty liver and other liver diseases. The goal is to ensure that screening is done to enable early detection of diseases.”
Officials said that those who need a Fibroscan can visit the hospital on a specific day. “We will announce those days, and patients will be served.”
Residents of the area have also praised the initiative of the authority, stressing that the availability of Fibroscan will further improve patient services, especially in the timely diagnosis of diseases.
“While we thank the authorities, especially the H&ME Secretary, the GMC Chief, and the Medical Superintendent for this step, our MRI needs have not yet been met,” said Muhammad Shafi, a local representative of the Civil Society in Baramulla.